A Court of Lightning and Shadows

Nine

Briar woke up without a single nightmare disturbing her sleep, but her head was pounding.

Briar and Azriel had stayed on the roof for a little while longer. He had told her the story about how he met Rhysand and Cassian. It felt like things were missing in his story though.

She also found out that the Illyrian was twice her age.

She didn't want to get out of her bed, not feeling well. But she had promised to help Elain with her garden. So, she got up and put on some clothes.

Her walking was already much better. She didn't fall over anymore, but she couldn't walk in a straight line.

The scars on her back didn't hurt as much as before anymore, even though they were very deep.

Madja, a healer apparently, would check her wounds tomorrow.

Briar walked into the kitchen, grabbing something to eat before looking for Elain.

She found Feyre and Nyx sitting in a chair, Feyre trying to give the boy food.

He pushed the food away, closing his mouth tightly.

Feyre sighed and found Briar standing behind her.

"He doesn't want to eat." the High Lady looked tired, probably because of her son or other activities.

Briar laughed softly and sat down next to Feyre.

Nyx started bawling out of no where. Feyre looked miserable.

"Here—" she passed Nyx to Briar, "-, you take care of him."

Briar started rocking the baby on her lap. He immediately softened his cries.

Feyre smiled at her, happy that Nyx had finally calmed down.

Briar grabbed a spoon with food and tried to feed him. He finally ate.

"I don't know how you did that, but that was impressive." Feyre laughed. Maybe Nyx was very picky in his choice of people.

——

Briar found Elain. The woman was already busy, humming under her breath.

She approached her and kneeled next to her, "What are you working on?"

The girl flinched softly and laughed, "I'm sorry, you scared me." she said.

"I am planting Orchids. Feyre gave them to me last week."

Briar nodded and let her eyes scan the garden behind Feyre and Rhysand's River house.

"They look beautiful." Briar said.

Elain finished planting them and stood, pulling of her gardening gloves.

"Beautiful indeed."

——

Azriel POV

Azriel was watching the two girls from the shadows.

He hadn't talked to Elain when she came back. She had only given him a small smile and nod when she arrived.

Apparently, she had stayed with Lucien. They had traveled to the human lands, Spring Court and Day Court. Azriel heard her stories, she sounded excited. She still talked about it.

Azriel had to let go of her. Even Rhys told him to.

Elain started to accept the fact that she was a High Fae and had a mate.

He wasn't mad about it, only disappointed. It wasn't the first time he had been left alone.

He now watched Elain and Briar.